Regional News

China Money Fuels Deadly Illegal Logging Trade in Cambodia

Chut Wutty was killed during an investigation into illegal logging

PHNOM PENH – Cambodian environmentalist Chut Wutty was killed during an investigation into illegal logging in the country’s arcane Cardamom Mountains. A year on, his family is no closer to learning the truth of what happened that fateful day and why. And now, sadly, Chut Wutty’s cause — the protection of Cambodia’s pristine woodland — is under greater threat than ever.

He was shot during a confrontation with security personnel

New concessions for plantations and development projects are devastating the nation’s protected forests. On Monday, Global Witness,an advocacy group for which Chut Wutty worked for many years, accused Vietnamese rubber firms allegedly backed by the World Bank and Germany’s Deutsche Bank of driving a land-grabbing crisis.

Chut Wutty, 48 when he died, had been on a collision course with Cambodia’s murky business elite for some time. He was shot during a confrontation with security personnel at a land concession for a 338-megawatt hydropower dam to be built by China Huadian Corp. (CHC), one of China’s largest energy companies. Chut Wutty suspected that the area was being used to launder precious rosewood — loggers would bring felled trees from nearby protected forests, which would then be fraudulently registered as originating from within the concession’s land. An argument broke out and shots were fired. The activist died at the scene after being hit in the stomach and leg. A military policeman was also killed. Security officials were apparently responding to a complaint from CHC that Chut Wutty was taking photographs on private land without permission.

Investigating officers decided that the second slain man, military policeman In Rattana, 32, shot Chut Wutty before being killed himself. A third man, Ran Boroth, was convicted of killing In Rattana while attempting to disarm him. Ran Boroth was a 27-year-old security guard for Timbergreen, a Cambodia-registered, Chinese-backed firm responsible for clearing the dam site. Ran Boroth was released without explanation after serving six months of his two-year prison sentence for unintentional homicide. Timbergreen acknowledged to the Phnom Penh Post that it holds the contract to clear the land but will not comment further.

Olesia Plokhii was one of two journalists accompanying Chut Wutty at the time of his death while on an assignment for the Cambodia Daily, but did not witness the manner of his shooting firsthand. A Canadian national, she describes the case as “heartbreaking” but maintains that such travesties are unsurprising considering the rampant corruption that blights Cambodia. Chut Wutty “would be the first person to envisage that there would be no justice for him,” she told TIME. “He was very cognizant of the dangers riding against him. He saw that he might have to go soon.” The stakes in this conflict are high. Richly hued, brownish red Siamese rosewood fetches around $5,000 per cu m in Phnom Penh and up to $50,000 in China, making the potential profits tantalizing for poverty-stricken Khmers.

Chut Wutty was a particularly effective activist owing to his military background — he was formerly a soldier — and extensive network of contacts. He encouraged rural communities to search out illegal timber stores near their homes and burn them — hitting the pockets of the criminal loggers. “Burning [timber] remains the most effective tool available to local people,” says Chut Wutty’s nephew, Chuon Phirom, himself an environmental activist for U.K.-based Flora & Fauna International.

Cambodia’s deforestation is the world’s third highest, after Nigeria and Vietnam.

Cambodia’s deforestation is the world’s third highest, after Nigeria and Vietnam, according to the latest figures from the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization. China is the biggest importer of timber, and the destination for much of Cambodia’s beleaguered woodland. Total Chinese log imports surged from 13.6 million cu m valued at $1.6 billion in 2000 to 42 million cu m worth $8.2 billion by 2011. China imported about 30% of all logs traded worldwide in 2011, with around half of that illegally sourced, according to a report published in November by the London-based NGO Environmental Investigation Agency.

There was once significant progress to thwart Cambodia’s illegal logging trade. The international community put pressure on the Cambodian government amid a crisis situation 10 years ago: nearly 3 million hectares — an area the size of Maryland— was lost between 1990 and 2010, according to the U.N. The IMF and World Bank placed conditions on financial assistance, and logging returned to “oxcart levels,” according to Marcus Hardtke, a German environmentalist who worked alongside Chut Wutty for many years. “No other country in the region [except Cambodia] managed to enforce a complete [illegal-]logging ban,” says Hardtke.

Since 2010 the situation has deteriorated drastically. While strong regulations remain for selective logging in protected forests, concessions for rubber plantations and development projects allow for the clear-cutting of large swaths. In March, Thailand finally listed Siamese rosewood under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)’s Appendix II, which will monitor and control the export of the valuable lumber to other countries. Yet with so much illegal trade passing through Vietnam to China — and the vast majority of Cambodia’s top-grade rosewood already stripped out — critics argue that this is too little, too late.

Chut Wutty before being killed

As such, loggers have turned to new high-value targets like the resin trees that are part of the sustainable livelihoods for the indigenous Kuy tribe inhabiting Prey Lang forest, around 200 km north of Phnom Penh. Seng Sokheng, spokesperson for the Prey Lang Community Network, says that the logging leads to soil erosion and the loss of natural fertilizer that has traditionally aided the subsistence farming of vegetables, mushrooms and honey. “The Kuy people’s culture and tradition are being eroded day by day,” says Seng Sokheng.

Prey Lang is the last remaining evergreen lowland forest in the whole of Indochina. Once around 70% of the continent was so covered, yet now only this patch, the size of Rhode Island, remains. Environmentalists estimate that about 40% of Prey Lang has been eroded since 2000, with the entire forest likely to disappear in five or six years if current trends continue. Andrew McDonald, a botanist with the University of Texas–Pan American, says Prey Lang is a unique mosaic comprising half a dozen woodland varieties. But now the area is under threat from concessions for economic migrants to grow cassava to the north, while rubber plantations creep in from the south. “When I go back now, we are surrounded by smoking stumps,” says McDonald. “It is alarming that we are losing ground as we are trying to save it.”

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen declared a moratorium on new land concessions last May, yet at least four new concessions have since been announced in protected areas. A government spokesman told local media that these were issued prior to the moratorium, but did not answer media enquires regarding how many more of these agreements were still pending. “Our patrols are constantly finding red signs on trees marking out where new concessions will be deep in [Prey Lang] forest,” says Seng Sokheng. Hun Sen said in March that 1.5 million hectares of land concessions — 80% for rubber plantations — had been granted to private companies, according to the Cambodia Herald.

Global Witness this week accused two of Vietnam’s biggest companies — Hoang Anh Gia Lai (HAGL) and the Vietnam Rubber Group (VRG) — of being responsible for major land grabs in Cambodia. Both companies are apparently financed by Deutsche Bank while the International Finance Corporation (IFC) — the private lending arm of the World Bank — reportedly invests in HAGL through intermediaries. Both VRG and HAGL have released statements denying any illegal activity. Similarly, Deutsche Bank and the IFC have both contested their level of involvement.

Tragically, fates similar to Chut Wutty’s are not uncommon in Cambodia. Just weeks after his murder, a 14-year-old girl was shot and killed by military police during a forced eviction. Four months later, Hang Serei Oudom, a journalist who exposed illegal logging and forest crimes, was found dead in the trunk of his car. An investigating judge said that the 44-year-old’s head had been caved in with a sharp tool, perhaps an ax or a machete. Activists gathered for the anniversary of Chut Wutty’s murder say that Cambodia’s dependence on foreign aid means that a moratorium on land concessions is possible if the international community again exerts pressure. That may be the only way left to protect Cambodia’s forests — and save lives too.

Regional News

Thai Immigration Police Detain Over 26,000 Illegal Migrant Workers

Thailand’s Immigration Police have detained approximately 26,000 illegal migrant workers from Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia during an eight-day operation in Bangkok and surrounding regions, according to a Royal Thai Police spokesperson.

Mr Adisorn Keudmeuangkhon of the Bangkok-based Migrant Working Group said the drive was in response to an increasing number of concerns about an influx of illegal migrant labor.

“Some Thai people see that many illegal workers are competing for their job positions in the past few months,” he told me. “That’s why the ministry has to take tougher action.”

Civil strife in Myanmar and the recent implementation of a military conscription have driven thousands of Burmese into Thailand, while severe inflation and limited job opportunities in Laos have also encouraged an influx of workers from that country.

Between June 5 and 12, officials detained and checked 20,111 Myanmar laborers, 1,659 Laotian migrant workers, and 3,971 Cambodian workers, according to the Ministry of Labor.

It marked the start of a 120-day campaign to audit workplaces and arrest unlawful migrant workers, according to the government.

Migrant Workers to be Deported

According to Keudmeuangkhon, undocumented workers face fines ranging from 5,000 to 50,000 Thai baht (US $136 to $1,365), deportation, and a two-year prohibition on re-entering Thailand.

Authorities did not intend to file criminal charges, he claimed.

Authorities raided 1,774 workplaces, according to Moe Gyo, chairman of the Joint Action Committee on Burmese Affairs, which advocates for Myanmar labor rights.

He stated that since the military junta activated conscription, there has been an upsurge in the number of arrests of Myanmar citizens in Thailand who do not have a work permit identity card.

All men aged 18 to 35 and women aged 18 to 27 must serve in the military for at least two years. The first group of 5,000 conscripts summoned by Myanmar’s junta will start duty at the end of this month, military sources told AFP on Monday.

According to Keudmeuangkhon, the bulk of Lao migrant workers in Thailand work as fresh market shopkeepers, restaurant servers, and mall salespeople.

Most people visit Thailand as part of ASEAN’s visa-free policy for tourists, but they stay longer than the 30-day restriction once they find job.

“Employers like to hire Lao migrant workers in the service sector because they can speak fluent Thai,” he told me.

Immigration Police Detain Illegal Migrant Workers

The Thai Cabinet may approve an enhanced program for Thai employers to register their unauthorized foreign workers in July or August. Keudmeuangkhon explained.

Last month, the Thai Ministry of Labor’s Foreign Workers Administration office announced that 268,465 Lao migrant workers were officially working in Thailand.

Baykham Kattiya, Lao Minister of Labor, told Radio Free Asia earlier this month that there are 415,956 migrant workers in other nations, the majority of whom work in Thailand.

According to her, the Lao government believes that over 203,000 persons working outside of the nation lack proper work documents.

However, a Lao official familiar with the labor industry informed Radio Free Asia, a BenarNews-affiliated news station, on June 20 that the number of illegal Lao migrant workers in Thailand and abroad is likely significantly greater.

“They go to other countries as illegal migrant workers through different types of methods – as tourists or students,” said the politician. “Thus, it is hard for the immigration police to collect data on these people.”

Government Officials Responsible for Smuggling in Migrant Workers

Government Officials Responsible for Smuggling in Migrant Workers

News

High School Student Dies After Being Electrocuted By School Water Dispenser

14-year-old boy was electrocuted by a water dispenser: File Image

Thailand’s Office of Basic Education Commission has initiated an investigation into the electrocution of a 14-year-old student by a water dispenser in a high school. The event happened at noon on Friday, during the high school’s sports day. The victim was a Grade 8 student.

According to local media in Trang Province, the incident occurred when a teacher instructed the pupil to turn off a water dispenser amid a heavy rain.

According to a witness, the child collapsed while strolling with his friend near a water station. The friend claimed he attempted to assist but was also shocked by electricity.

According to reports, the friend then recovered, left the site, and requested assistance from teachers. A teacher ran to the scene and used a towel to pull the boy away by the ankle. He was taken to the hospital, but it was too late, they claimed.

The event sparked criticism from parents and netizens over school safety, as well as the slow response to aid the young youngster.

Mr. Chainarong Changrua, head of Trang-Krabi’s Secondary Educational Service Area Office, told local media on Sunday that forensic officers from Trang Provincial Police had visited the area. They discovered the blown breaker switch behind the water dispenser, he explained.

The breaker was burned out, thus the authorities assumed the disaster was caused by a short circuit that allowed energy to spill to a neighboring power pole. The student also appeared wet and was not wearing shoes when electrocuted.

According to the Office of Basic Education Commission, a probe team will complete its investigation this week.

The student’s father, Mr Pornchai Thepsuwan, 53, claimed he was saddened when he saw his son’s body. The boy (Wayu), was the youngest of two boys, he explained. He stated that following the tragedy, the school director and staff gave financial assistance to the families.

Mr Pornchai also said he would not seek charges against the institution because he believed it was an accident.

Electrical accidents in Thailand

Electrocution instances in Thailand have increased alarmingly in recent years. Many mishaps occur as a result of improper wiring and inadequate maintenance of electrical systems.

Public locations, such as schools and markets, frequently lack adequate safety precautions, putting individuals in danger. In rural areas, antiquated infrastructure exacerbates the situation, resulting in more frequent and serious events.

Although several high-profile cases have brought these challenges to light, genuine progress has been gradual. Furthermore, the rainy season heightens the likelihood of electrical accidents, as water and exposed wires do not mix well.

The government has made steps to strengthen safety standards, but enforcement is patchy. More education on electrical safety could help to reduce these accidents.

Unfortunately, better infrastructure and tougher rules may have prevented many of these incidents. The loss and injuries caused by electrocution are avoidable, emphasizing the need for immediate action.

Over 200 High School Students Facing Sedition Charges in Thailand

Over 200 High School Students Facing Sedition Charges in Thailand

News

Thailand’s Tourist Police Crackdown on Tourist Scammers in Pattaya

Tourist Police Pattaya: File Image

Thailand’s Tourist Police said it is collaborating with embassies from five countries to combat tourist scams and ten criminal gangs in Pattaya. The Tourist Police Bureau, convened a meeting on Thursday Pol Lt Gen Saksira Phuek-am told a press briefing.

Pol Lt Gen Saksira Phuek-am, the Tourist Police bureau commissioner said the participants included ambassadors from South Korea, Ukraine, Russia, India, and Switzerland.

He told the briefing the he had ordered a crackdown on tourist frauds, such as fraudulent or low-quality tour operators and unfair sales of goods and services. Stepped-up operations began on June 19 and will continue until June 25.

He stated that the agency was working with numerous organisations to increase tourists’ confidence in visiting Pattaya.

Gen Saksira spent time on the famed Walking Street speaking with officers on duty and assigned them to seek for members of ten criminal groups known to operate in Pattaya.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin will visit Chon Buri on Saturday to assess the tourism situation. He intends to visit the site of a future Formula One racecourse near Khao Phra Tamnak in Bang Lamung District.

Prime Minister Srettha recently met with Formula One organisers in Italy to examine the potential of including Thailand on the race schedule in the future.

On Sunday, the Prime Minister will pay a visit to Rayong’s U-tapao airport to discuss development on the airport’s land, with the goal of encouraging investment in the Eastern Economic Corridor.

Police Chief Reinstated

In other police news, Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol has been reinstated as national police chief following the conclusion of an investigation into a highly publicised quarrel, according to Wissanu Krea-ngam, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s counsellor.

Mr Wissanu released the investigation’s findings on Thursday, after the prime minister formed a fact-finding committee chaired by Chatchai Promlert to investigate into the quarrel between Pol Gen Torsak and his deputy, Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn.

The four-month study revealed conflicts and disorder at all levels of the Royal Thai Police, but it was unclear whether these issues arose from a single cause or several causes, according to Mr Wissanu.

The findings revealed that both Pol Gen Torsak and Pol Gen Surachate were involved, with each team contributing to the tensions, he noted.

Mr Wissanu indicated that Pol Gen Surachate was reinstated as deputy national police head on 18 April following his relocation to the Prime Minister’s Office on 20 March. A disciplinary committee was formed to investigate Pol Gen Surachate, and he was ordered temporarily suspended from the police force.

Because there were no further difficulties to explore, it was decided to restore Pol Gen Torsak. He plans to retire on September 30.

On March 20, Mr Srettha abruptly transferred both top police officers to the Prime Minister’s Office in an effort to address the growing schism within the police service.

Kitrat Panphet, Deputy National Police Chief, was subsequently named Acting Police Chief. According to sources, Pol Gen Surachate could face money laundering charges related to online gaming networks.

Source: Bangkok Post